On Wednesday, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Angola and South Africa in Luanda, to reinforce the cooperation between the two countries and to increase national research and development (R&D) capacity, mobility of research, and advancement of human as well as technological resources.

The MoU for scientific research cooperation between the two countries was signed by Rufino Sambanje - Angola's director of the National Technological Centre (MCT) - and Lee Annamalai, an official from the South African Scientific and Industrial Research Council.

Under the recently-signed MoU, Angola and South Africa have consented on the setting up of a technical cooperation between their institutions; a move which will chiefly strengthen the institutional capacity of both the countries. In addition, the two countries also agreed that a service contract should be drafted for the installation of the Fire Alert and Control System (AFIS) in Angola.

Moreover, it was agreed on by experts from both the countries that the mentioned deal should form the base for both the parties to cooperate as well as negotiate the identification of a project or projects, which may go beyond the implementation of a system of alert and control of fires.

The MoU also had Angola and South Africa consenting to work together for exploring opportunities that may result in increased cooperation with the European Union and other similar organisations.